Every morning I struggle to gobble anything down, except coffee of course. I know from reading enough health magazines that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, I have turned to bananas. They are easy, fast and yummy…Oh and super good for you.

Bananas contain Vitamin C, B6, potassium and dietary fiber. They do not contain fat or cholesterol. Bananas are very low in sodium, 2.3mg. The Vitamin C which is found moderately in bananas, assists in defending against and healing infections. The Vitamin B6 found helps strengthen our immune systems and aids in the development of red blood cells and central nervous system function. Potassium, a large part of a banana, is a mineral that works in the building of muscle tissue and the synthesis of protein. Potassium is an electrolyte which stimulates nerve electrical impulses for muscle contraction. It helps reduce hypertension and stroke.Bananas contain 3 natural sugars, sucrose, fructose and glucose along with fiber. Instant boost of energy.

There you have it, instant gratification of nutrients. Below is a healthy banana bread recipe.

Acupuncture originated in China over 4000 years ago. The ancient healing technique is quickly gaining popularity in the United States as more Americans are discovering its effectiveness for their medical concerns.

Acupuncture therapy involves the insertion of extremely thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to produce powerful therapeutic effects. Stimulation of acupuncture points promotes the harmonious flow of qi, or energy, throughout the body. This can result in: pain reduction, muscle relaxation, hormone regulation, tissue and wound healing, digestive regulation and many more.

I have been doing acupuncture for a couple of years now and must say it works! I have one kidney, who likes to cause me a little pain once in a while. I tried acupuncture on a recommendation and found that not only did it help with the pain but also with anxiety.

The average bite of food in the United States travels 1,300 miles before it is consumed, according to the Food Awareness Project. Decrease the distance (and environmental toll) by supporting your farmers’ market and checking labels at the grocery store. Produce grown close to home is more likely to be in season and riper when picked.

Choose organic. Organic food contains no hormones or antibiotics and is produced without pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, the farming practices ensure healthy soil. Organic can be more expensive. If you can’t always work it into your budget, be selective. There’s a list of fruits and veggies ranked by pesticide level at ewg.org/foodnews.

Living in Southern California is great, but yes we still have chilly weather sometimes. The quintessential accessory to have with you at all times is a light weight scarf/shawl. I ran across the perfect $10 scarf at Fess-Parker Hotel gift shop. They have an amazing selection of colors. The gift selection is nice and very reasonable.

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